PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: No concurrent anticancer biologic response modifiers or immunotherapy No concurrent sargramostim (GM-CSF) No concurrent prophylactic filgrastim (G-CSF) during first course of study Chemotherapy: See Disease Characteristics Recovered from prior chemotherapy No prior taxane therapy No other concurrent anticancer chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: No concurrent anticancer hormonal therapy Radiotherapy: See Disease Characteristics Recovered from prior radiotherapy Surgery: See Disease Characteristics Recovered from prior surgery Other: At least 4 weeks since prior investigational agent No other concurrent investigational therapy No concurrent participation in other clinical study No other concurrent antitumor therapy